Lent5C.7.4.2019

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‘The Other Lectionary’ - a suggested ‘southern hemisphere’ Lectionary (with a few Resources added) offered in parallel to, or even replacement of, the RCL which is in standard use by many

A GATHERING LITURGY FOR THECELEBRATION OF LIFE7 April 2019. Lent 5. (Purple).An Autumn/Harvest Reflection with the Jesus Banquet

For thousands of years Indigenous people have walked
in this land, on their own country.
Their relationship with the land is at the centre of their lives.

We acknowledge the (NN) People of the (NN) Nation, past and present,and their stewardship of this land throughout the ages.

(NN) is a safe place for all people to worship regardless ofrace, creed, age, cultural background or sexual orientation

GATHERING

Refreshment Station/Water BasinsPottery basins are set on stands near the entrance to the Gathering space. Attendees are invited to dip their hands in the cool water in the basins as they arrive. Or to rinse each other’s hands. That we may relax, be refreshed, and prepare for this time together.

(Note: A small sign is placed above the basin explaining that as they dip their hands in the water, they are invited to relax and try to mindfully set aside or release for a time anything that might be preventing them from being fully present—each traveller rinsing the “dust from the road”).

OR

(A suggestion of other words)We come together from our separate lives,each of us bringing our concerns, our preoccupations,our hopes, and our dreams.

We are not yet fully present.The traffic, the last-minute cooking, the final details still cling to us.Our bodies hold the rush of the past few hours.

It is now time to let go of these pressures and really arrive…

When you are ready, repeat silently to yourself: ‘Hineini’ or ‘Here I am’.Hineini is used in the Torah to signify being presentin body, mind, and spirit.

It means settling into where we are and simply being “here”. (Adapted/Nan Fink Gene)

Rich and Striking Visuals “The function of beauty… is to make us aware of a reality which is richer and deeper and more marvellous than anything we can dream or conceive.” (Henry N. Wieman) Artwork OR Floral/Symbols display (cloths, candles, stones, wood, leaves, flowers, earth, water) OR projection of Film/Slides

Gathering Music

Entry into the CelebrationThe gong is struck three times

This day we shall let
the hills embrace us,
the trees comfort us,
and the sun enlighten our minds.

This day we shall let the sap rise within us
and dance the music of the Cosmos. Adapted.William L Wallace/wb

Let us celebrate the richness and diversity of life.

Lighting of the Community CandleThe Community Candle is lit

Note: (i) A suggested process for introducing new hymns, called Hymn of the Month, can be found HERE(ii) Additional Special Purpose Hymns that cover major international events or themes can be found HERE They include these categories: 1. Bush (Brush) Fire, 2. Tsunami, Storms/Cyclones, 3. Earthquakes, 4. War/Remembrance, 5. Caregiving, 6. God as Mother, 7. Human Trafficking, 8. Disabled, 9. Migration/Refugees, 10. Terrorist Attacks, 11. Science/Cosmology(iii) PLUS some specific resources on Terrorism HERE

Hymn The people stand as they are able, to sing“God Gives the Song” (Tune: Kingsfold’, 86.86D) 20(v1-3) TMTGod gives the song which we shall singOf freedom for us allTo leave behind our guilt and fearsAnd break our narrownessRefrain:Come share your tears of joy with me.Dance like the Autumn leaves;Life is for loving, joy and fun,God is the lively one.

God gives the song which we shall sing
Of laughter for us all
Of twinkling eyes replacing frowns
And structures freed by clowns.Refrain:

God gives the song which we shall sing
Of justice for us all
Of sharing with the hungry poor
What they should own by right.Refrain:Remain standing

Opening SentencesIn hope, in longing
All We're glad to come together.
In trust, in community
All We're glad to come together.
In many moods, in many shapes and sizes
All We're glad to come together.
In peace, in joy
All We're glad to come together.
In solidarity with those who struggle
All We're glad to come together.
In resistance to those who dominate
All We're glad to come together.
In memory of Jesus, who lived with compassion
All We're glad to come together in this Lenten season. (Jack Nelson-Pallmeyer/wsj)

Act of AwarenessThe symbols of life are all around us:
light and noise,
infants and adults,
birds and animals,
colours and movement,
words of goodwill, songs of joy.

May we learn to recognise and renew these symbols everyday.
And be inspired to nurture and share them generously.

OR

We pray:
Remind us, O Spirit, that life is worth living.
Remind us, O Creator, that the struggle for justice
is worth undertaking.
Remind us, O Mercy, that love and action are one.May it be so. (Jack Nelson-Pallmeyer/wsj)

Hymn (Cont)“God Gives the Song” (Tune: Kingsfold’, 86.86D) 20(v4-6) TMT
God gives the song which we shall sing
Of peace for everyone
Of quietness amid the noise
And love in place of warRefrain: Come share your tears of joy with me.
Dance like the Autumn leaves;
Life is for loving, joy and fun,
God is the lively one.

God gives the song which we shall sing
Of loving for us all
Of fragile dreams and constant care,
Acceptance, warmth and hope.Refrain:

God gives the song which we shall sing
Of oneness for us all
To bind together all that lives
So all shall know their worth. (William L Wallace)Refrain:People sit after the hymn

Welcome In your own wordsA warm welcome is extended to all.Especially those who are worshipping at (NN) for the first timeor who have returned after an absence.

Your presence both enriches us
and this time of celebration together.Refer to printed liturgy.
Fellowship hour following worship.
Those visiting, please sign our Visitors book.

CENTERING

Presentation of Water BasinsWords which acknowledge that the dust of many roads and many life experiences has been rinsed into the basins, and calls for the contents of the basins and the gathering to be transformed, renewed, and more fully alive

The dust of many roads and may life experienceshas been washed in this refreshing water.For this place is a sacred place.

May wegreet one another with open hearts and minds; inspire each other to consider new questions and seek deeper meaning; and cultivate both wisdom and compassion.

And may this time together empower us to take some new stepsso all our living is transforming and the yearning of our hearts become reality.The bowls of water are removed from the Gathering space

Meditation"The Gift"
By Zam Walker. Timeless Prayers for Peace/114.

God grant us the gift of dreaming:
The dream of a world enjoying its extraordinary colour and beauty-
Not viewing life through tunnel-visioned, grey-tinted spectacles.

The dream of breadth and variety in glorious harmony -
Not definition through division, prejudice and ignorance.

The dream of acceptance and inclusion -
Not judgement and exclusion.

The dream of Your love and humour -
Not our idolatry and self-righteousness.

The dream of 'we might'-
Not 'we cannot'.

God give us the vision and imagination to dream
and enable us to make the dream a reality.

Centering SilenceIn this time of silence may we move from busy-ness to quietness...(The charka is sounded)

Silence

God of life
God of peace
God of wonders that will not cease...
Present with us now.(The charka is sounded)

Looking up next day,drawn back again I see,strong fearless ribs,of charcoal grey.An almost leafless tree.Like roadway mapsthe branches run, to decorate the sky.

North east, north west,'good bones' they say, that make for great design.There's more to tell.Willow, arched and oranged,supple arcs of strength,Ash, cherry, pear, birch, the elm,and last not least, I seethe grafted sturdy Apple,good stock,coated silver, branching expectantly...

The Autumn thrill so huge.It 'colours' me,this Presence... when I see.

OR

“To The Blessings of This Season”By Ken Sawyer. (UUA WorshipWeb)

To the blessings of this season,may our senses be alertand our hearts take heed,for in a busy and sometimes tragic world,beauty is often the comfort most sure.

To the blessings of warm, accepting human relationship,may our hearts be openand our minds take heed,for in a lonely and sometimes frightening world,friendship is often the support than upholds us.

To the blessings of high ideals and noble aspirations,may our minds be open,and our hands take heed,for in a troubled and sometimes dangerous world,justice is often the hope that sustains us.

Forgiving each other and ourselves for all we do not sense,for the love we do not share,for the acts of justice we avoid,let us treasure the parts of ourselves that do respond.

Blessed be the life that comforts, sustains and upholds us,and blessed be we who do, now and then, awaken to its grace.

Traditional Gospel:John 12:1-5, 7-8 (Scholars Version)

Six days before Passover Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus lived.
There they gave a dinner for him.
Martha did the serving, and Lazarus was one of those who ate with him.

Mary brought in a pound of expensive lotion
and anointed Jesus’ feet, and wiped them with her hair.
And the house was filled with the lotion's fragrance.

Judas Iscariot, the disciple... says,
‘Why wasn't this lotion sold. It would bring a year's wages,
and the proceeds could have been given to the poor?’

‘Let her alone,’ Jesus said. ‘Let her keep it for the time I am to be embalmed.
There will always be poor around, but I won't always be around.’

Affirmation of Faith (Optional)In response to the word reflected on let us stand
and share together an affirmation of faith.The people stand as they are able

v1 May our time together renew our hope.
All May the stories we share refresh our courage.v2 May the songs we sing lift our spirits.
All May the words we speak invigorate us.

v1 May the touch of hands,
the sound of laughter,
the sight of faces new and familiar,
All restore us in faith. CODame

Sharing 'The Peace'We enter as strangers. We leave as friends. (RMitchell/bb)
The peace of God is here... to stay.
All Thanks be to God.You are invited to share the peace with your neighbours.

HymnPeople stand as they are able, to sing"Autumn Comes in all its Fullness" (Tune: 'Hamilton Avenue', 87.87) 8 HoS
Autumn comes in all its fullness
harvesting both land and hearts
Autumn has its birth in winter
in the stillness where life starts.Refrain: Every death brings hope of birthing,
every birth enfolds life's end,
for the seasons of our living
mirror patterns nature penned.

Autumn gives us time for choosing
seeds which bear the richest fruits,
fragile life which we can nurture
into just or vain pursuits. Refrain:

Buried in autumnal endings
lies the shoot that bursts the tomb
for the letting go in autumn
sows the seed that births the bloom. (William L Wallace) Refrain:The people sit

OR

“May We Cast the Vision” (Tune: ‘King’s Weston’)Are we not still dreaming
of a world of peace,
where all live in freedom
and all hatred’s ceased?
Are we not still hoping
for a fair new day,
one for which all suffering
long before did fade?

Have we not the knowledge
that can feed each child,
shelter ev’ry family,
nations reconcile?
Have we not the wisdom
to look back and see
all that’s come between us
throughout history?

Can we not be faithful
to the call of love;
all it builds between us,
is that not enough?
Can we not find reasons
to reach out and share –
all we own, together –
all because we care?

On this day, we’re dreaming
of a world made bright,
freed from all its sorrows,
living into light.
May we feel the courage
stirring deep within.
May we cast the vision
and this work begin. (2017 gretta vosper)

Reflections and PrayersCare Candle:
We are people of all ages who enter this space
bringing our joys and concerns.Joys and Celebrations; Griefs and Concerns shared

Focused Thoughts:

Listening Response:May we have courage in uncertain times,All Let it all happen. No mood is final.May we recognise new beginningsin what seem to be endings,All Let it all happen. No feeling is final. (3C Exchange)

And so we take this flame and light our special care candle…The Care Candle is lit

For ourselves, for those named or remembered, and in solidarity with those who have not the freedom to express their concern or celebrationfor fear of discrimination or condemnation.

In all our joys and in all our concerns, may we be ever mindfulof the presentness of the sacred among us,and to see new possibilities of the now.

The 'Abba’Prayer: (Optional)You are invited to pray in the spirit of the Lord's Prayer, and in your original language, as appropriate

All Eternal Spirit
Source of all that is and ever shall be,
Loving Parent in whom we discern heaven,
May knowledge of your holiness inspire all peoples.

And may your commonwealth of peace and freedom
flourish on earth, until all of humankind
heed your call to justice and compassion.

May we find the bread that we need for today.
And for the hurts we cause one another
may we be forgiven in the same measure
that we forgive.

In times of trial and temptation,
help us to be strong;
When life seems overwhelming,
Help us to endure;
And thus from the yoke of sin deliver us.

May you reign in the power of human love, Now and forever. (Tom Hall)

CELEBRATING

With the ChildrenChildren gather on the conversation mat

Celebrating our Time and PlaceAfter the sun of Summer has done its work, people gather in
threshing fields,
vineyards,
orchards and
home vegetable gardens,
to celebrate their reward.

This morning, we have been reflecting on Autumn, the season reward.
And witness its celebration in the gradual
changing colours of the leaves.Leaves are brought forward

But let us also remember the earth and our attachment to it.
Traditional harvest festivals originated among simple people
who lived close to the soil.

The seeds entrusted to Mother Earth in the Spring
have been watched, watered and weeded